Once again Winter is just around the corner and the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus are giving away Winter Coats to children in need, also with help of different people and groups in the area each coat will come with a Hat and Mittens. (All New)

Remember how relaxing it was when, as a child, you'd grab your crayons and paper and color for hours? What fun it was to create something from your own imagination in bold, vibrant hues or soft pastels! Even if you didn’t feel quite so creative, you would reach for your favorite coloring book, depicting your favorite cartoon or storybook characters. Recent research has shown that, even today, adults find this a very relaxing hobby and an excellent way to 'detach’ from electronics and unwind.

Local artist, Cheryll Wallace, of Plattsmouth, NE, will be at the Chocolaterie Stam candy shop, Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion, NE on Saturday, December 16, 2017, from noon to 3, autographing her adult coloring book, "Lighting the Lamp of Dharma".

If you're stumped about what to give to someone who has 'everything', Cheryll's book, along with a new package of crayons or colored pencils, would make a fantastic, unique gift. Especially for a special friend or loved one who seldom gets out, this would be a great gift. And since you’ll be at the candy store anyway, be sure to pick up some lovely goodies to include in your holiday gift-giving!

FARM BEGINNINGS® PROGRAM

BEGINS IN JANUARY

IN NEBRASKA CITY

Nebraska Extension is planning its 9th Farm Beginnings® Program at the Kimmel Education and Research Center at 5985 G Road Nebraska City, NE 68410 for January, 2018. Plans are being made for Nebraska Extension and the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society to facilitate the Farm Beginnings® Program to be held in Nebraska City. The Farm Beginnings® Program is an educational training and support program designed to help people who want to evaluate and plan their farm enterprise. Farm Beginnings® participants engage in a mentorship experience and network with a variety of successful, innovative farmers; attend practical, high quality seminars, field days and conferences. The program is unique in that several successful farmers participate in the program as presenters, explaining firsthand the nuts and bolts of their farming operation. While this isn’t a program for someone wanting to get into conventional farming, it is a program that has attracted several people interested in farming on a smaller scale, some who have migrated out from urban to rural areas. One past participant in the class said, “This program had a huge impact. I have improved my business plan, my overall efficiency and continue to try new ideas I thought to not be possible.” Any beginning farmer would benefit from attending these training sessions. Most of the farmers that present come from small to medium sized farming operations that produce and market many different diversified and value-added products. Many of these farmers direct market their products.

Participants of this course may be interested in becoming involved with growing alternative crops, producing fruits and vegetables for direct sale to consumers, grocery stores or restaurants. Others may be interested in growing livestock for direct marketing. This is an opportunity for people interested in learning about this type of farming from farmers that are doing it and making a living at it.

The Farm Beginnings® Program consists of a series of 11 sessions from January through April that cover a variety of topics including: building networks, goal setting, whole farm planning, building your business plan, marketing, business and farm management and financial management. While the class participants will learn firsthand from the farmers, they will also work on developing their own business plan as they progress through the course. As part of the class tuition, participants will also have the opportunity to attend the Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society’s Healthy Farms Conference in 2018 to be held this winter. This is a conference that has been held annually for a number of years and has sessions that focus on topics in sustainable agriculture, such as: vegetable production, grass-fed beef, pasture poultry, meat and dairy goat production, composting, cover crops, organic farming, growing crops in high-tunnels, bee keeping, farm transitioning and agri-tourism. We also schedule farm tours early in the course and tour several farms in the summer to see how the farmers are operating. If interested, participants also have the opportunity to have a farmer mentor.

Cost of the total program is $500, but you may qualify for a partial scholarship for up to $200. For more information, a brochure for the Farm Beginnings® Program or an application go to our website at https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/nemaha/farm-beginnings-0/. For more information about the program you can also contact Gary Lesoing, Extension Educator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at (402) 274-4755, Nebraska Extension in Nemaha County.

The Louisville Area Food Bank is open on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 6-7 p.m. The food bank is located in the First Christian Church 304 Main St. next to Copple's in Louisville. Low income residents are welcome to come to the twice a month give away. Please bring a box to put items in. This food bank is for residents of the Louisville Public School District. Questions contact Pastor Cathy at 402-677-9606 or Pastor Bob at 402-234-2055. The Louisville Area Food Bank is always looking for donations of food as well.

~It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.

-Walt Disney

Thanks to all Springfield E-Newsletter readers.

Connie Manzer

PLEASE HELP THE EDITOR!

Announce your news in the Springfield electronic newsletter. Send birthday or anniversary greetings. Post a special event, news or pictures of school or sporting events. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Get the word out to everyone in Springfield and beyond. Please have your info in by Monday 10pm. Contact me at: 253 -2015 (leave a message) or email all news and photos to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.